We recently made the trek over to Beaver Creek in Ottobine and got in on some good trout action including one fish that went to 20″. The snow was deep, the water cold, but there is great fishing right now if you can get to your favorite stream.
Nathan and I fished a private section of the Jackson River tailwater today. Number were not high with only about 2o fish landed but the first two were worth the whole day. An 18″ brown took a streamer and two casts later a 20″ rainbow took a prince nymph and 100ft of line downstream. Most fish came on streamers with a few on nymphs.
Moorman’s River
Fishing is great right now especially with the recent stocking by TJTU for adaptive anglers last weekend. The great news is that the bridge is back and so no detour is necessary. Last week a day before thanksgiving, we landed about 25 fish in a little more than an hour. Flows are very good without being too high and fish are active and plentiful. San Juan Worm and Thin Mints are taking fish but if you see a hatch in the afternoon try midges or BWO just under the surface. A very good fly is the BWO soft hackle. A few brookies also showing.
Blue Ridge Mountain Streams
Fishing is great as flows are up and strong. I would fish drys on top in 12-16 with any hi viz patterns like Mr. Rapidan, Royal Wulff, Para Adams or Humpy’s. Getting good reports from North Fork of the Moorman’s and Conway and Rapidan.
Jackson River
Fishing has been outstanding with good flows in the Hidden Valley section and on the tailwater. If you are fishing the tailwater, you will need to float to access the best fishing. Call for details and directions. Most days now we are getting a mixed bag of browns and wild rainbows. These are beautiful fish in the 13-16″ range that almost always go airborne when hooked.
Rose River Farm
Fantastic with 15-20 fish per day. Flows are as good as they get and fish will take a variety of things but in higher flows i like to move a bigger pattern like a bugger or kreelex. Sometimes you’ll find a midge hatch coming off in the pm so then i fish a bwo soft hackle, griffith’s gnat, or other midge pattern just under the film in 18-22. Don’t be afraid to fish it on a tight line with a swing. Takes are often violent (but fun!). As always, book at least a month in advance to get a spot.
SUMMARY: Fishing for trout is great right now with the recent rain. The Jackson and the Blue Ridge Mountain Streams are your best bet for public water. The TJTU special regs section of the Moormans River has been stocked but the bridge is out. There is an alt route: read below.
Blue Rige Mountain Streams: Moorman’s, Conway, Rapidan Rivers
Fishing is great right now in all mountain streams after the recent rains. Levels are at or above normal in most places (except for TJTU on the Moormans–see below). Temps are still pretty warm during the days so i would be fishing attractor dries on top. Royal Wulff, Mr. Rapidan, Elk Hair Caddis etc in larger sizes (12-14) for visibility. Ant patterns are still working well too. I like the foam body ant with the white viz tip. John “brookie king” Edelen loves fishing soft hackles up there. Ask him about his favorite patterns next time you are in.
TJTU Special Regs Section: Moormans River
Finally, its been stocked! The section was stocked Friday morning and i fished it early afternoon. There are two important things to know right now concerning this section: The water flows are VERY low. Its “create your own drift” fishing until they start to let more water out. The recent rain went into the reservoir but has not been let out into the lower river. The second and more important thing to know is that the 1st bridge on the way up is out until mid to late november. You must use alt route 614. Hit the general store in Whitehall and bear right. Take the next main road on your right and it will drop you off in sugar hollow. As of Friday, trout were still in “pellet mode” taking only trout pellet imitations that were moving. That should have changed by now. I would fish san juan worm, prince, midge larvae, and english PT flashback with no bead (18). Permits are on sale at the store for $45.
Jackson River: Flows are HIGH below the dam running at 500+ cfs. USGS dats is here. Water temps are holding so fishing is great in the tailwater section below the dam. I also like prince nymph when nothing is showing. Never forget to take the old BH English PT in 16-18. This has been my most productive fly when fished as a dropper off a size 10-12 prince or hare’s ear. I fished the public tailwater section a week ago by canoe and landed over 40 wild rainbows and browns in 6 miles. Fish were really on the caddis but we didn’t see much activity on top. There are a lot of fish in there but make sure to fish the faster, shallower water. We are booking full day floats on this section now.
Rose River Farm:
Fishing is FANTASTIC as water levels are at or above normal (finally). Fished yesterday and got over 20 fish in 3 hours all 18″-20″. They were looking for larger meals with the high water. Thin Mints or san juan worms. There is a nice midge hatch in the pm. Small 18-20 English PT or Zebra Midge fished just below the surface film was banging em. A small black or dark brown wet fly would probably produce too. I’d try a Starling and peacock or March Brown Spider. NOVEMBER IS ALMOST FULL AT THIS TIME. IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BOOKING THIS FALL CALL SOON TO RESERVE YOUR DATE. ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
Summary: Smallmouth season is still going strong but water temps are dropping quickly. This rain should really turn things on as water levels come up. We’re hoping the Shenandoah will be floatable this week. Smallmouth bass are going into their fall feeding pattern bulking up for winter. We’re seeing some really good fish up to 19″ on most trips. As always this time of year, we’re waiting for trout season to kick in as water levels come up. We should know this next week if we’ve received enough water for the Rose River Farm to open. The Jackson tailwater has been a real bright spot over the summer. If you’ve never had a chance to float it you should. See my report on this below in the Jackson River section.
James River:
Fishing is good but water has really gotten low. The next two weeks should be really revitalized with this rain. As i mentioned above, the fall pattern is kicking in for smallmouth bass. They will be feeding on minnows etc to fatten up for the winter. We’re finding many of the fish in the shallows and riffles. Don’t be afraid to fish super shallow riffles which provide cover, food, and higher temps. reminder: the bridge at Hardware River is still out making the Scottsville to Bremo run unavailable unless you have LOTS of time to float both runs together. You can, however, launch small boats that don’t need a launch ramp here. Most of our fish are being taken on streamers now especially Thin Mints. Kreelex should take lots of fish. We have Kreinick material in stock if you want to tie your own. We have recently contracted with a custom tyer to supply us with brass eyed Kreelex, some in brand new colors. Finally, we always go with a selection of Clawdads in a variety of colors, black/blue and tan being my personal favorites. Best float recently has been Wingina to JRWMA. Multiple larger fish to 19″ are showing on most trips. Lots of fish holding along the banks like usuall but don’t overlook the riffles. Click here to see all USGS river data for James River.
Shenandoah River:
I expect to be fishing the better sections again this next two weeks as water levels rise making it floatable in our raft. See all USGS info here. Tan Clawdads and poppers are taking almost all fish as well as Thin Mints or dark streamers. Not only are there great numbers of fish on selected floats but there are a good number of larger fish too including some GREAT largemouth bass. I am very impressed with both the numbers and quality of the fish I’m seeing after the fish kills of a couple of years ago. Great time to book a trip since i don’t expect water levels to last very long.
Blue Rige Mountain Streams: Moorman’s, Conway, Rapidan Rivers
Not fishing well in last 4 weeks due to heat and water levels. Water levels below 25%. Let’s see what the rain does. All streams fished very well while water levels lasted into the summer. The South Fork of the Moormans was a great surprise.
Jackson River: Flows are normal below the dam running at 270 cfs. USGS dats is here. Water temps are holding so fishing is great in the tailwater section below the dam. I also like prince nymph when nothing is showing. Never forget to take the old BH English PT in 16-18. This has been my most productive fly when fished as a dropper off a size 10-12 prince or hare’s ear. I had a great opportunity to fish King’s Grant land recently. We landed over 100 wild fish, mostly rainbows but got one 18″ brown and several other smaller brown’s. Dargan Cogshall has been fishing the lower public floats and has been knockin em dead. See his pics here. Be aware that the landowner of the middle float (Davis Bridge to Indian Draft) is now posting his land and saying you can’t anchor or wade. According to game wardens he has no right to ask this legally. For now the 6 miles above and below this offer better fishing and less hassle. I suggest Johnson Springs to Davis Bridge or Indian Draft to Petticoat Junction.
Rivanna River:
Flows low and slow. Fishing is slow. Deeper pools and runs will hold fish. Good reports coming out of the palmyra area.
Rose River Farm:
Closed for at least another week. Booking for fall season now. 434.977.6882. OCTOBER IS ALMOST FULL AT THIS TIME. IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BOOKING THIS FALL CALL SOON TO RESERVE YOUR DATE. ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
James River:
Fishing is good with numbers of fish showing depending on the section you are floating. reminder: the bridge at Hardware River is still out making the Scottsville to Bremo run unavailable unless you have LOTS of time to float both runs together. As always, we’re fishing Boogle Bug poppers and Walt’s Poppers on top. In the Middle, I’m fishing Clousers and CK Baitfish and also Kreelex with the brass eyes. We have recently contracted with a custom tyer to supply us with brass eyed Kreelex, some in brand new colors. Thin Mint streamer are also producing well but mostly smaller fish but if you want numbers, don’t overlook this fly. Finally, we always go with a selection of Clawdads in a variety of colors, black/blue and tan being my personal favorites. Best float recently has been Wingina to JRWMA. Multiple larger fish to 17″ are showing on most trips. Lots of fish holding along the banks like usuall but don’t overlook the middle of the river. It can be outstanding when the damsel hatch starts in the early afternoon. Water flow is around 1800 cfs and levels look normal. Click here to see all USGS river data for James River.
Shenandoah River:
Fishing is great and water flows are back in the 25th percentile making getting down some sections doable. See all USGS info here. Tan Clawdads and poppers are taking almost all fish as well as Thin Mints or dark streamers. Not only are there great numbers of fish on selected floats but there are a good number of larger fish too including some GREAT largemouth bass. Boogle Bug Poppers are taking most fish since there are green and orange damsels out right now. Recent rains have brought the levels back up to more or less normal and put a slight stain in the water which has improved fishing. I am very impressed with both the numbers and quality of the fish I’m seeing after the fish kills of a couple of years ago. Great time to book a trip.
Blue Rige Mountain Streams: Moorman’s, Conway, Rapidan Rivers
Not fishing well in last 4 weeks due to heat and water levels. Wait until mid-September.
Jackson River:
Flows are normal below the dam running at 270 cfs. USGS dats is here. Water temps are holding so fishing should be good in the tailwater section below the dam. Coffee Stone, Pat’s Stone, and Mercer’s Poxy back stone are all top producers. I also like prince nymph when nothing is showing. Never forget to take the old BH English PT in 16-18.
Many fish were taken on a couple of recent floats in the tailwater section. Wild Rainbows and browns to 18″. Many of these fish are coming on streamers. Be aware that the landowner of the middle float (Davis Bridge to Indian Draft) is now posting his land and saying you can’t anchor or wade. According to game wardens he has no right to ask this legally. For now the 6 miles above and below this offer better fishing and less hassle. I suggest Johnson Springs to Davis Bridge or Indian Draft to Petticoat Junction.
Rivanna River:
Flows low and slow. Fishing is slow. Deeper pools and runs will hold fish. Good reports coming out of the palmyra area.
Rose River Farm:
Closed until sept. or Oct. Booking for fall season now. 434.977.6882. OCTOBER IS ALMOST FULL AT THIS TIME. IF YOU ARE THINKING OF BOOKING THIS FALL CALL SOON TO RESERVE YOUR DATE. ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.
James River:
Fishing is good with numbers of fish showing depending on the section you are floating. reminder: the bridge at Hardware River is still out making the Scottsville to Bremo run unavailable unless you have LOTS of time to float both runs together. Hooked 5 fish 18-19″ monday so some nice size is showing. All on big poppers up against the banks in wood and cover. As always, we’re fishing Boogle Bug poppers and Walt’s Poppers on top. Also try the Tommy’s Wiggle Minnow in Fire Tiger if you haven’t already. I’m sure that will take its share of fish this year. In the Middle, I’m fishing Clousers and CK Baitfish and also Kreelex with the brass eyes. We have recently contracted with a custom tyer to supply us with brass eyed Kreelex, some in brand new colors. Finally, we always go with a selection of Clawdads in a variety of colors, black/blue and tan being my personal favorites. Water flow is around 1800 cfs and levels look normal. Click here to see all USGS river data for James River.
Shenandoah River:
Fishing is great but water flows are below the 25th percentile making getting down some sections difficult. Flow is just under 400 cfs (normal is over 600 cfs) and declining. See all USGS info here. Tan Clawdads and poppers are taking almost all fish. In the last week in 3 days of fishing we’ve had 150, 200, and 75 fish days respectively. Green poppers are taking most fish since there are green and orange damsels out right now. We really need some rain in the valley to bring things back up. I am very impressed with both the numbers and quality of the fish I’m seeing here: We hooked at least 6 fish over 18″ on one trip. Lots of largemouth in this section as well.
Blue Rige Mountain Streams: Moorman’s, Conway, Rapidan Rivers
The mountain streams are still great. As long as these mild temps stay around trout fishing should continue to be good. Any attractor dry in 12-16 will get lots of fish. On the NF, make sure to hike in 3/4 mile. Water levels are still great.
Jackson River:
Flows are normal below the dam running at 270 cfs. USGS dats is here. Water temps are holding so fishing should be good for awhile yet even in the Hidden Valley area. Coffee Stone, Pat’s Stone, and Mercer’s Poxy back stone are all top producers. I also like prince nymph when nothing is showing. Never forget to take the old BH English PT in 16-18.
Many fish were taken on a couple of recent floats in the tailwater section. Wild Rainbows and browns to 18″. Many of these fish are coming on streamers. Be aware that the landowner of the middle float (Davis Bridge to Indian Draft) is now posting his land and saying you can’t anchor or wade. Not sure of the legality of this since this section WAS NOT under the King’s Grant Ruling (but may be King’s Grant land). For now the 6 miles above and below this offer better fishing and less hassle.
Rivanna River:
Clear and good flow. Should be fishing great. All the usuall suspects will produce here. Try the float from Woolen Mills to Shadwell or the lower river around Palmyra. Be aware of a mud flat at Woolen Mills which makes launching a chore.
Rose River Farm:
Closed until sept. or Oct. Booking for fall season now. 434.977.6882
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South Fork of the Moormans:
Fished up the river 5/20. Landed 12-13 brookies from 10-12″ all on dry flies. Fishing was great! Many pools held multiple fish. Most of these fish are stocked fish but got one nice size wild fish. Lots of fun and a lot closer than some other mtn streams. All fish came on dry’s except 2 which i got on wht wooley bugger and bh PT in size 18. try size 14 mr rapidan or other large, bright attractor pattern.
Rose River Farm:
Fishing is great! Water levels are elevated but very fishable. All spots are booked through May. June has a few openings left and we expect that the Farm will stay open into late June with the low temps and high flows. flies: small black nymphs (zebra midge), BH english PT (18), thin mint, san juan worm, and wet flies all taking fish. Call for June availability. 434.977.6882
Smallmouth Bass:
Water temps are finally up but we’re just waiting for rivers to clear. Rivanna levels are now withing normal range and temp is around 62 so fishing will really turn on when things settle this week. Let’s not get any more rain for a couple of weeks! Poppers, streamers, and clawdads. I like a chartreuse clouser in the off color water.
Area Lakes:
Fishing is great. Crappie and largemouth bass are all over anything light colored. Try not to target the spawners if you can help it. I’ve been fishing a new kreelex pattern in a new color that Im tying (but i promise not to name it after myself). Stop by and see it. We are custom tying it now by the dozen. It really cleans up on the warmwater species. Big bass are showing. Landed two 7lb largemouth this week. (area 51–its secret).
Rivanna River:
still not clear. Should be great wading or floating this next week.
Mountain Streams:
Very good fishing as flows are more or less back to normal. Lots of bugs comming off. Good reports from North and South fork of the Moormans with brookies rising to flies at the end of the lake during hatches. The Conway and the Rapidan are in prime shape. Try light elk hair caddis in 16-18 or thin mints.
Jackson River:
Flows are still really high but fishable. Dean landed 8 fish to 24″ on 5/20. Lots of bugs coming off but not much surface action because of the strong flows. I really like stoneflies and caddis on this river. Coffee Stone, Pat’s Stone, and Mercer’s Poxy back stone are all top producers. I also like prince nymph when nothing is showing. Never forget to take the old BH English PT in 16-18.
The shad have arrived in the local rivers, especially the James. Fished in Richmond on monday, March 30 and landed over 50 fish with one American up to 4lbs. Orange seems to be the color of choice. We have shad darts in stock or tie a bright, flashy clouser minnow with orange in it. The most important thing is to get the fly down to the bottom. Its ten feet deep with current so a 200-250gr shooting head or full sink line is your best bet. I prefer a 6wt rod especially for the Hickory Shad which are smaller than the Americans. These fish really put up a great fight.
Places to fish:
I strongly suggest fishing Richmond on the James. I know a lot of people have been making the trek to Fredericksburg as I did for a couple of years and it does have the advantage of being wadable but that is also its biggest drawback as its too shallow to provide cover in all but the deepest spots which are quickly overrun by the hoard of other angler’s. To fish the James you do need a boat but a kayak or jon boat will work fine. If you prefer a guided trip, we are making the juant with our raft which can seat two angler’s plus guide. We’ll supply the equipment, lunch, coffee and a couple of beers. Cheers!
Thanks to Steve from Switchfisher.com for doing the work on this one. See his post for his chart and breakdown of the numbers. Looks like most places will be ok. READ THE ENTIRE DGIF REPORT HERE
Bottom line is that it looks like we will have a better year than last year as a result of a pretty successful series of spawns over the last several years. Those fish are growing to a size that is interesting and should provide us with plenty of fun this summer.
